We are officially burrowed in and relaxing, and to make this borrowed & relaxed state shine properly, we added some juxtaposition last night with an evening of far-from-burrowed-and-relaxed festivities. Think 6-mile-long line to see Santa. Think crowded restaurant. Think three kids running around Marshall’s the night before Christmas Eve, one of whom made up a game that involves 10-pound weights and yoga mats flinging off a shelf.
In fact, I’d like to submit this photo for “antonym of burrowed & relaxed.”
Word on the not-so-snow-covered street is that it’s unseasonably warm in the Midwest as well which strangely makes me feel a little more connected to the family I’m missing. We’re diving into the holidays, together coatless and kissed by warmth.
Brett takes the end of the year off every year which makes our burrowing and relaxing so much sweeter. This week, we returned to one of our family’s favorite memory-making spots, Isles of Capri, for a family day.
Baby crab…
Spotting more baby crabs…
…and another baby crab.
We’re savoring our simple little traditions this season…
…and grateful for each other.
Want to create some good conversation around your holiday table tonight and tomorrow? Write some good questions down. Tuck them in a jar, under a plate, keep them in a notebook and pull them out when Uncle Bob’s politics conversation is going south or Aunt Judy is getting a little passive aggressive with her suggestion that you give your kids too much sugar. I love these questions. I’ve learned a lot of things I would have never known about friends and family, and without fail, one of these questions opens up meaningful conversation and beautiful stories. The stories are what family is all about.
10 Questions to Ask Around the Holiday Table
1. Who from your past has most influenced who you are today and how?
2. What’s the most beautiful drive you’ve ever taken–where was it, what were you doing there…describe the scene.
3. If you could have any other job besides the one you have, what would it be?
4. What’s one thing you never learned how to do that you wish you could have learned?
5. What would those who know you best say your best quality is?
6. If you had $1000 right now that you had to spend on yourself, what would you buy?
7. What charitable cause is closest to your heart and why?
8. What’s the most sad you’ve ever been in life?
9. Describe one of your happiest memories.
10. If you were to give one piece of advice to someone, based on the past 5 years of your life, what would it be?
And if you’re alone this Christmas, pull out a journal, light a candle, and write out some of your own answers to these. Date it. Do it again next Christmas and the next and the next, and watch how your answers change over the years.
Merry Christmas Eve, friends.
To the full and happy, to the hurting, lonely, searching and all the somewhere-in-between…love, love, love. You’re not alone.
Beautiful Kelle! I love asking those kind of questions, you really do learn so much. As always, your photos are fabulous.
The sun is shining in Troy today and for the first time ever, I did my last few errands yesterday without having to be bundled up. Seriously, threw on my chucks and added a scarf simply for effect, and was good to go! I could get used to that. Although, if I’m honest, I will miss {just a teeny bit} having a “white Christmas” tomorrow.
Enjoy a lovely Christmas with your family!!
Kare
Happy Happy Christmas to you and yours!
I love these questions — they’re excellent topics that would definitely open up meaningful dialogue. We ask similar ones at the holidays at my parents’ table, where we all gather just a few times as year. I would love to jot down others’ answers, loosely, so we could compare them over the years, too. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Loves to you too, Kelle!! Xoxo
Kelle – I was flipping through the channels to find something to watch that wasn’t sensationalized, or disturbing – something different, something interesting! I was hooked the very second that I turned to “Born This Way” on A&E!!! Have you seen it or heard of it? I immediately thought of you & your beautiful Nella – because you are my stranger friend whom I care about! Your blog is done so well, you bring us into your world & you make us feel as if we are a part of your day, your life….a talent that I am certain you do not take enough credit for, because that is not what you do – pat yourself on the back. I digress… If you have not seen it – you must! It is a very interesting look at young adults with Down Syndrome as well as their relationships with their families & friends. After watching 2 episodes I walked away with this firm opinion – you are rocking it as the mama of the beautiful Nella! You kick some serious bootie & you are too busy to take names while you are doing it, girlfriend. The parents said the very same things that you shared – being worried that they would not have the same experience with their DS children that they have with their others – not seeing them off to college, not waiting up for them to come home from a date – everyday things. This program showed how far we have come with regards to Down Syndrome & how everyday things are absolutely possible with them. There is no reason to allow them to do anything less – they WILL rise to any challenge IF you allow them. You more than allow Nella – heck – you throw some extra challenges out there just because you can – and more importantly because SHE CAN!!! I have NO affiliation with the program nor the channel – I simply thing that it is a program that you would enjoy. I would LOVE to hear what you think of it, and what you think of them! I know – you will watch it with the 30 seconds that you have free a day (insert sarcastic tone here)! Should you have time – I would love to hear what you think of it. I wish you & yours a very Merry Christmas & a Happy, Healthy New Year…and I thank you for opening the eyes of so many to Down Syndrome – AND to how to pull off some kick-butt parties!! Your tips are relatable to everybody – even me…a woman that God decided not to bless with littles of my own! You are simply magnificent! Signed, A Stranger Friend 🙂